The fraudulent messages, sent under the pseudonym "Mikhail Andropov," disrupted education across Italy for two consecutive days following an earlier wave targeting 6,300 schools. In response, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration stated that campuses must avoid evacuations absent concrete evidence beyond generic mass emails. Meanwhile, opposition politicians criticized the government's military priorities, arguing funds must immediately shift toward national digital defenses. Similar hoax emails were simultaneously directed at schools across Ireland and the United Kingdom without causing closures.
Key points
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office announced new guidance instructing schools not to…: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office announced new guidance instructing schools not to evacuate without tangible proof of genuine danger.
Authorities in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland maintained normal…: Authorities in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland maintained normal operations after receiving similar mass email hoaxes.
European officials increasingly view widespread disruptions across public infrastructure…: European officials increasingly view widespread disruptions across public infrastructure as hybrid warfare campaigns tied to nations backing Ukraine.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
The latest warnings come amid rising concerns in Europe about hybrid warfare threats.
More than 1,800 schools in Italy were sent emails containing bomb threats on Thursday, the government said, a day after some 6,300 schools received similar alerts.
Many schools closed immediately after receiving the latest warnings, causing widespread disruption as parents rushed to collect their children.
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Police in Rome said “there was nothing to substantiate” the threats.
Like Wednesday’s emails, the messages were reportedly signed by “Mikhail Andropov”, who presented himself as the “leader of the Vilayat of Misoginistan”, according to Italy’s Ansa news agency.
The same purported author claimed responsibility for email bomb threats sent last week to newsrooms in Ireland and Bulgaria.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni summoned opposition leaders for talks on how to deal with similar incidents.
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Government officials decided to block Russian sports competitors because their presence could compromise international relations during the ongoing war of aggression. The policy covers all participants regardless of whether they compete under a neutral flag. This enforcement also integrates with tighter short-term labor regulations across the nation.
Speaking on Thursday, President Donald Trump addressed the diplomatic posture of the United States regarding Tehran. His comments signal a direct dismissal of ongoing efforts to negotiate terms with the Iranian government. This approach points toward a continued reliance on alternative measures rather than formal bilateral compacts.